Shower zones
Make a splash at home with clean, contemporary designs for a brand new showering space.
With the days starting to lengthen and a few warming rays of the sun coming through, now is the time to think about your new bathroom. Showers are a refreshing essential for the spring and summer, so bring a fresh slant to your retreat with our round-up of the most covetable wetroom schemes out there.
Inspired by the practical nature of Scandinavian bathrooms, the new generation of wet rooms offers a refreshing alternative to fussy shower trays and rather ineffective curtains.
This is an extremely fashionable look defined by minimal lines and it is suitable for large and small spaces alike. But, before you rush to plan your spa-like haven, there’s plenty to be considered before installation.
Says Michael Hoyne, Chief Executive Officer at Merlyn Showers; ‘Look at where the showerhead will be situated and how drainage, ventilation and underfloor heating will work. Above all, tanking the room with a waterproof membrane is paramount, as water damage can happen surprisingly quickly.’
Huge advances in wet room systems include watertightness but be aware – waterproofing is definitely a job for the specialists so ensure you use a reputable company. If you try to cut any corners when installing your new product, leaks won’t just be restricted to the shower area and could cause major damage to your property.
It is likely that the bathroom floor will need to be raised by about 5cm to accommodate all the waste fittings for your new system. Go bespoke if you would like the perfect fit for your glass partitions. 
A true wet room has an open shower area. However, this look doesn’t always suit every household. Says Sandra Hyde, Marketing Manager at Aqualux; ‘Consumers are looking for user-friendly designs that are also stylish. Walk-in showers have universal appeal, as the low level entry makes it easy to get in and out without compromising on style. The latest models feature panels to screen the water from the rest of the room and come in smoked or clear glass for a sleek, contemporary look.’
Shower walls can be a welcome alternative to a fully sealed sanctuary. You will also protect your fittings from getting wet on a daily basis. Explains Georgina Spencer, Marketing Manager at Roca, ‘Your wash zone should make the most of the available light and space. Be inspired by the facilities in top spas to choose elegant brassware which is easy to maintain. If you are eco minded, many showers have flow regulators that can be added or are already built in.’
Finally, ensure you have ample room to cleanse with favourite products. Why not consider an area big enough for two? With a well-designed wet room offering the ultimate in luxury at home, make sure your shower is up to standard. Powerful jets are vital, so if you can install a good power shower pump it will be worth it. Huge overhead drenchers and body jets are a must. Look for square heads for dramatic impact, or go for a more traditional watering can-style version. Chromatherapy lighting will help to soothe or invigorate, as required. 
You could invest in a sun shower (www.prosunsunshower.com) which gently tans you using a balanced UV light spectrum – a perfect way to get ‘body beautiful’ in time for your summer holiday!
Wall hung ceramic sanitaryware will not only add to that feeling of space and contemporary minimalism, it’s also easy to maintain. Materials such as stone, ceramic, laminates, resin, chrome and glass are ideal in humid environments and, if you want to go all out to impress, indulge in dramatic tiles and sublime brassware.
Traditionally wet rooms are fully tiled, and a spectacular haven can be achieved thanks to beautiful mosiacs. Anti-slip tiles are vital for the floor but do explore other surfaces such as Corian, natural stone HI-MACS or treated concrete to create your own distinctive look. The list of possibilities is endless and with such a fabulous array of fittings available, the concept is easier than ever to achieve.
